Bertha R (Jimerson) Sealey

Mrs. Bertha Ree Jimerson Sealey was born November 20, 1938 in Sumter County Alabama. She was the eighth of twelve siblings born to Mr. Frank and Mrs. Velma Jimerson.

The Lord called His faithful and steadfast servant home to be with Him on Friday, October 16, 2020 in Montgomery, Alabama. Because of her health, she was living with her devoted daughter and son-in-law, Renae and Anthony Clark.

She met the love of her life, Oliver Sealey, Sr., at Selma University and they were united in holy matrimony on October 27, 1962 and to this union two children were born.  She was the doting grandmother of three loving grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. 

Mrs. Sealey accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and joined the St. John Baptist Church in Ward, Alabama.  She became actively involved and served in many ministries: She served as Supervisor of the Red Circle, Secretary of the Sunday School Department, and Financial Secretary. She was actively and passionately engaged in various missions’ ministries. Even as a small child, Bertha helped her mother prepare food for special programs at the church. She once served as the caretaker for the communion trays and cloths.  She loved and constantly encouraged the children/youth and worked diligently with them: special reading, skits and plays for different church events. Mrs. Sealey proudly worked with her husband, Rev. Oliver Sealey, Sr., as he pastored several churches: Morning Star, Butler, AL; Black Bluff, Whitfield, AL; Mount Moriah; Lily’s and Pleasant Valley Baptist Churches.

Mrs. Sealey served diligently in the Kinterbish District Women Convention: She was District Sunbeam Supervisor (21 years), Vice-President and Chairman of the Ministers’ Wives and teacher for the Youth Department Bible Training Union (BTU). She was chosen as Chairman of the Ministers’ Wives in the Gilfield District Women Convention and the South West Women District State Convention. She faithfully attended the State Women Convention until her health became unfavorable. 

Mrs. Sealey attended Cooper Mission School (1st-6th grades); Indian Spring School (7th-11th grades), Choctaw County Training School (12th grade) where she graduated in 1957.  She continued her education by attending, Selma University (Selma, LA), Stillman College-BA Degree, 1962 (Tuscaloosa, LA), and Livingston University-M.Ed. Degree-1972 (Livingston, AL).

Mrs. Sealey was employed with the Sumter County Public School System as a teacher at the York West End School. She fulfilled the greatest desire of her heart: teaching and helping children/youth to mold and shape their lives. She served as a mother, big sister, teacher, mentor, and as a counselor. One of her pride and joys were inspiring her students to attend Sunday School.  She retired in May, 1994 after 31 years of dedicated service.

Mrs. Sealey had a beautiful personality, wherever you saw her, you were face to face with a smile.  She was always willing to help anyone in need. She took pleasure in cooking for her family and friends, as well as strangers. She was very witty and loved to make you laugh.

Mrs. Sealey’ Fraternal/Civic and other affiliations included: Worthy Matron of Golden Gate Chapter #513, Order of the Eastern Star (Pennington); Kitty B. Jackson #4, Order of the Cyrene Crusader (Livingston); Hatten Beauty Court #13, Order of Cyrene Crusaders (York); Mitchell Success Court #80 Heroine of Jericho (York); Local, State, and National Retired Teachers’ Association, Indian Spring Branch of the NAACP, Jachin Community Fellowship Task (Organizer), Choctaw County S.C.L.C., Choctaw County Civic League, and Choctaw County Democratic Committee.

She was preceded in death by her husband: Reverend Doctor Oliver Sealey, Sr., parents: Frank and Velma Jimerson, six brothers: Herbert, Frank Jr., Willie, Roosevelt, Sr., Ed., Sr., Lloyd; two sisters: Laura and Mary Kate.

Mrs. Sealey leaves to cherish her memory: one daughter: Bernita Rena Sealey (Anthony) Clark of Montgomery, Alabama; one son: Oliver Maurice Sealey, Jr. of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; two granddaughters: Benae and Megan Clark of Montgomery, Alabama; one grandson: Jerell Sealey of Fort Worth, Texas; one brother: Charlie (Earlee) Jimerson of Chicago, Illinois; two sisters: Odessa Williams of Stone Mountain, Georgia, Velma (Julius) Brown of Chicago, Illinois; three sisters-in-law: Pastor Sadie Simms of Columbus, Ohio, Pastor Guessella (Mira) Daniels of Columbus, Ohio, and Missionary Annie L. (Bester) White of Fosters, Alabama; five brothers-in-law: James (Ruby) Sealey of Fosters, Alabama, Almer Lee Sealey of Columbus, Ohio, Elder Murphy (Wanda) Sealey of Columbus, Ohio, Robert Sealey of Foster, Alabama, Supt Willie (Tetitha) Sealey of Ralph, Alabama; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends.

Therefore, I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them MARK 11:24